The new Nissan QASHQAI, which has sold an average of 300 units per month in South Africa since its launch in July 2014, is now available in an expanded range comprising seven derivatives.
Joining the original five versions, a new 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol model is available with Nissan’s advanced Xtronic gearbox. Based on the principle of a constantly variable transmission, the Xtronic gearbox has been engineered to deliver a smoother, more natural driving experience. The QASHQAI range is topped by the new 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol derivative.
QASHQAI 1.2T Acenta Xtronic:
The Nissan QASHQAI 1.2T Acenta Xtronic features the familiar 85 kW, 165 Nm turbocharged 1.2-litre petrol engine found in other models, but now offers a truly luxurious drive thanks to Nissan’s Xtronic transmission.
Its addition means the QASHQAI range now offers two derivatives with an automatic gearbox. The powerful engine continues to offer a pleasant drive with exceptional fuel efficiency – 6.2-litres per 100 km on the combined cycle – with the added bonus of super-smooth transmission. An Eco Mode is available for even better fuel economy.
Unlike conventional variable transmissions, the QASHQAI’s Xtronic gearbox mimics the behaviour of traditional, multi-ratio automatic gearboxes during hard acceleration, with stepped changes. In gentler driving, the ratios are subtly adjusted to give ultimate smoothness. This means the Xtronic transmission offers the best of both worlds for drivers, with ultra-smooth low-load power delivery and direct performance during higher acceleration driving.
QASHQAI 1.6T Acenta:
Topping the range is the new QASHQAI 1.6T Acenta, which features a 120 kW/ 240 Nm 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine and a six-speed manual gearbox.
With generous torque, which is available from as low as 2 000 rpm, the new turbo petrol derivative is easy and effortless to drive – with fuel economy of 6.2-litres per 100 km to boot. The engine combines sharp performance and low emissions (144 g/km), and has been specifically-tuned for QASHQAI using advanced turbo technology. Idle stop/start also features to save on fuel even further.
At Acenta trim level, both of these derivatives boast a raft of standard equipment, including alloy wheels (17-inch on the 1.2T and 19-inch on the 1.6T), LED daytime running lights, privacy glass, automatic wipers and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror. The 1.6T Acenta also benefits from LED headlights with auto levelling, silver roof rails, chrome-accented front fog lights and an intelligent key with keyless entry and push-button start.
Available as an option on both derivatives, the TECHNO PACK includes Nissan’s Around View Monitor, heated door mirrors, NissanConnect for smartphone integration and Nissan’s navigation system with a 7-inch touch screen display. Heated leather seats are also available as an option on the 1.6T.
COTY (Car of the Year): QASHQAI makes its mark around the world
After starting the crossover revolution, Nissan’s C-segment crossover story is going from strength to strength, with over two million QASHQAI models produced since the original debuted in 2007. In South Africa, the new QASHQAI 1.6 dCi Acenta Xtronic has been named as a 2015 WesBank/SAGMJ Car of the Year finalist – an immensely coveted accolade.
The new-generation QASHQAI has also been named as a 2015 World Car of the Year finalist, underlining its standing and reputation on the international stage.
In the United Kingdom, QASHQAI was named Car of the Year by What Car? Magazine, and scooped up Best Crossover and overall Car of the Year titles in the diesel categories. In Australia, QASHQAI also won the Small SUV category, while online tech review site Recombu.com named QASHQAI as the Best Family Car.
Pricing and warranties
As with the rest of the QASHQAI range, the two new Nissan models come with Nissan’s new class-leading 6-year/ 150 000 km warranty and a 5-year/ 90 000 km service plan which includes roadside assistance, as standard.
New Nissan QASHQAI models | Retail price incl. VAT |
QASHQAI 1.2T Acenta Xtronic | R327 700 |
QASHQAI 1.2T Acenta Xtronic with TECHNO PACK | R344 500 |
QASHQAI 1.6T Acenta 6MT | R357 700 |
QASHQAI 1.6T Acenta 6MT with TECHNO PACK | R374 500 |
QASHQAI 1.6T Acenta 6MT with TECHNO PACK and leather | R385 500 |